When it comes to opening a restaurant, there’s no better place than Smyrna.
That’s what the financial site NerdWallet claims, at least. In its rankings of the best towns in America for starting up a new restaurant, Smyrna came in at an exceptional fourth place.
The study looked at 530 cities across the U.S. with populations of at least 50,000 people, analyzing population growth, demand for restaurants, economic environment, and recently opened dining options.
Smyrna was specifically cited for its rapid population growth since 2000. NerdWallet describes the town as having “transformed from a sleepy suburb to a modern bedroom community.”
On Wednesday, the Atlanta Journal Constitution took a look at the eateries that have contributed to Smyrna’s outstanding reputation as a must-stop spot for restaurateurs and diners alike.
One such location is the Atkins Park in Smyrna Market Village. There, patrons are treated to classic Louisiana cuisine, such as jambalaya, in the kitchen run by Chef Rusty Hamlin, known for personally cooking for the Zac Brown Band.
For a more local taste, locals and visitors alike stop by South City Vinings, a Smyrna location of the original Midtown restaurant. Fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and every dish a southerner needs to function is offered here.
A more dressed down option also exists in the town’s many delicious food trucks, including the pimento cheese specialists, Freckled and Blue. The classic treat is offered in a variety of flavors and served in numerous ways, including with deviled eggs or on a burger.
Another renowned mobile eatery is Happy Belly. Specifically mentioned on the original NerdWallet list, this health-minded food truck serves a plethora of tasty menu items that are baked, grilled, and smoked.
